Correlates of the intention to use a bike library system among New Zealand adolescents from different settlement types

Introduction: Bike library systems (BLS) are present in several cities around the world. These systems have been implemented as policies to promote physical activity and health, and to reduce, among others, traffic congestion and air pollution. The implementation of BLS could facilitate the use of bicycle in countries like New Zealand, where the proportion of adolescents using cycling as a mode of transport is quite low. This study examined the correlates of the intention to use a BLS in a sample of New Zealand adolescents living in different settlement types. Methods: Adolescents (n = 2355; age: 13–18 years) from 23 secondary schools in the Otago region, New Zealand participated in this study. Participants completed an online questionnaire reporting their sociodemographic characteristics, transport to school, an interest in BLS and perceptions of cycling in general and cycling to school. Data were examined using multiple linear regression. Results: Overall, 17.1% of adolescents stated that they would use a BLS if it was available in their area. In the regression model, positive correlates of the intention to use a BLS were participant's age, adolescents liking bicycle riding for recreational purposes, cycling often with friends, and cycling to school being perceived as interesting/pleasant/stimulating and a great way to get some exercise (all p < 0.01). Negative correlates were male gender and having two or more bicycles at home (all p ≤ 0.001). Conclusions: Different sociodemographic, individual and interpersonal factors were identified as significant correlates of the adolescents’ intention to use a BLS. These findings can be used to assist in designing more effective interventions to promote bicycle use among adolescents based on the BLS implementation.